Schuylkill County Court news

A Tamaqua man was denied his request to have his bail reduced but four other applicants were successful in having their bails modified after hearings in the Schuylkill County Court.

David R. Cipko, 34, of 175 Penn St., Tamaqua, asked to have his bail of $100,000 straight cash set by a district justice modified, but Judge James P. Goodman denied his request. Cipko was cited by Tamaqua Patrolman Karl Harig, last Aug. 12 and was charged with burglary of the residence of Sharon Quinn, 336 Lincoln St., and aggravated assault, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, and simple assault.

Christopher C. Fetter, 315 Penn St., Tamaqua, had his bail reduced from $50,000 straight cash bail to $10,000 unsecured with special conditions attached by Judge Goodman. He must reside with his parents at the above address and not relocate without previous court approval; shall continue with drug and alcohol treatment; shall not consume, possess or transport any alcohol or drugs unless prescribed by a doctor; and must secure employment within 30 days.

Joseph R. Angst Sr., 46, of 21 Main St., Middleport, had his bail reduced to $20,000 percentage cash with special conditions imposed by Judge Goodman. He shall attend drug and alcohol meetings, given a written verification of the residence at which he will reside to Clerk of Courts Stephen Lukach, shall not consume, possess or transport any alcohol or drugs unless prescribed by a medical professional and shall not have contact with the victim. Angst faces sex-related charges.

Jenna Gradwell, 27, of Gordon, had her bail reduced to $25,000 percentage cash bail to $1,000 unsecured bail by Judge Goodman with the conditions she reside with her mother at 510 McKnight St., Gordon. She was cited by Butler Township Patrolman Shawn Butler, with theft of a checkbook.

Zaine T. Miller, 33, of Albrightsville, had his bail reduced from $25,000 percentage cash to $1,000 percentage by Judge Goodman with special conditions. He shall reside with his mother (Sherll Reese) at 141 E. Ridge St., Apt. B, Lansford, and not relocate without previous court approval, must secure employment in 30 days and have no contact with the victim in the case. Miller was cited by Patrolman Scott Cramer, Kline Township police, last Sept. 25 and faces alleged sexual assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangering another person, theft, receiving stolen property and harassment charges.Pleads guilty

Brian P. McDonald, 32, of Frackville, pleaded guilty to a charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle and was placed on probation for 23 months by Judge Cyrus P. Dolbin. He was also ordered to pay $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, a $50 monthly supervision fee, and perform 10 hours of community service. He was charged by Trooper Michael Breznik last Aug. 21 with operating a Caterpillar loader on property of the Blaschak Coal Co., Mahanoy Township, and damaging it. He was ordered to make restitution of $4,607.77. On the charge of criminal trespass, he was fined $100.

Files for divorce

Donna I. Hartranft filed suit for divorce from George C. Hartranft, both of Mahanoy City. They were married Aug. 21, 1991.

Tobash Home Heating Inc., Schuylkill Haven, filed suit against STS Discount Heating Oil Co., 442 Willing St., Tamaqua, charging breach of contract. In the suit, Tobash states it is in the business of selling heating oil and provided oil on credit to STS and claims it is owed $132,747.11.

After delinquents

Two area school districts continued their drive against property owners who allegedly are delinquent in paying their school taxes.

The Tamaqua Area School District filed claims for real estate taxes due against the following:

A jury trial which began Monday in the was completed Wednesday afternoon because the courthouse was closed on Tuesday because of Hurricane Sandy. In the trial, the jury found the defendant not guilty.

Jean Geraldine Mintz, 66, of 100 Chestnut St., Cressona, was found not guilty of four counts each of recklessly endangering four persons and harassment. The charges were filed by Trooper Eric L. Reber on information brought by four young people, including the niece of the defendant.

Kelly Jean Mintz, the niece, Kaitlyn Jean Mintz, and Andrew Edward Diemer, all of 17 Mintz Lane, and Thomas Blankenhorn, 278 Moon Hill Drive, all of North Manheim Township, were the victims. The incident occurred last Nov. 30. Kelly Mintz was deer hunting from a tree stand and wounded a deer and the other three people joined in tracking the blood print in the ground to find the deer. They wondered in the park on the property of the defendant. They testified they heard a pop and heard a voice call out "whose there" and Kathy identified herself.

There was only one shot fired from a handgun by the defendant who claimed she heard people on her property and fired one shot into a pool and not in the direction of the people. The case was tried by Judge John E. Domalakes.